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The Tropical Andes are the home to many diverse
communities, from remote farming villages to large
urban centres and capitals, such as Merida, Bogotá,
Quito, Cusco and La Paz. In total, about 60 million
people live between 1,000 to 4,500 meters. The
climate in the region is tropical, with low seasonal
variation in temperatures. However, there is strong
seasonality of precipitation, in particular in the
Peruvian Andes. In Colombia and Venezuela, the
Andes are generally more humid, while the Altiplano
and the Bolivian Andes are drier.
Executive summary
The Tropical Andes will experience some of the
most drastic climate changes in South America.
By the end of this century, the coldest years in the
Tropical Andes mountains will be warmer than the
warmest years to which humans and other species
have adapted so far. Different climate models all
indicate warming everywhere, but there is much
more uncertainty when it comes to projections of
precipitation and seasonality. However, the general
trend across the region is that precipitation will
increase in the already wet northwest and decrease
in the drier Altiplano area and northeast. The rainy
season in the Altiplano area is also becoming more
concentrated, and the dry season longer.
The Tropical Andes are among the world’s
biodiversity hotspots most vulnerable to climate
change. These mountains contain a wide spectrum
of microclimates, harbouring a unique diversity of
ecosystems. Glaciers, high mountain grasslands,
mountain forests, rivers, lakes and wetlands provide
essential services for society. Therefore, damage from
climate change on these ecosystems can consequently
harm society. To adapt successfully to climate
change, mountain ecosystem services and mountain
communities must be recognized and protected.
Key risks from climate change
Change in precipitation regime will have serious
implications for the provision of water for drinking,
sanitation, agriculture, energy and industries.
Temperature increase in turn will alternate the
biochemical composition of soil and vegetation;
hereby changing its capacity to regulate water flows.
Extreme events, albeit not only caused by climate
change, will further reduce the capacity of the soil
and vegetation to prevent landslides. Glacier melt
releases heavy metals into water flows which can
pose health risks for those using the water. The
increase and concentration of the demand for water
and other resources will be amplified by population
growth and urbanization.
Water availability is essential to all key economic
activities in the Tropical Andes, especially for
Peru